Chapter 4

"What do you mean, it will hurt a little? I'm willing to do anything. But if it involves pain, I don't know..."

"Don't worry, it'll only be a little prick."

"What are you trying to say?"

"You just have to get an injection. I mean, use one of those weight-loss pens."

"And does that really work, Lucy?"

"Of course it does. I lost almost 100 kilos myself."

"You must be kidding. I doubt you ever weighed that much. Look at how beautiful you are."

"Well, my friend, I was fatter than you. I'm sorry to use that word, but the first step is facing reality. I went on a diet, used the weight-loss pen, and after eight months, I reached my ideal weight."

"But I'm afraid to use it."

"I'm sorry, Candy. But what you should be afraid of is staying this size. Have you ever thought about how many illnesses you could suffer from in the coming years because of obesity?"

"I know. And that's why I'm so afraid to use this so-called 'weight-loss pen.' Could it be harmful?"

"It's not like that. But first, you need to see a doctor. You can't just take medication without a prescription. Most cases that go wrong happen because of that. People don't consult a doctor before starting a medication. It's crazy."

"But how did you do it? How much did it cost, Lucy? It must be a fortune."

"No, it isn't. I'll explain everything to you properly, and I'll give you my doctor's contact information. After that, it would be good for you to see a nutritionist. Are you ready to face this new life?"

"I'm not ready, Lucy. I have to admit it. But I do want to. I want to change my life."

"Then your time has come. I'm the fairy godmother of the weight-loss pen. Several girls at the gym started using it after they saw my results. You'll be next."

"I hope it works. I hope George approves."

"And who said your husband has to approve anything? Didn't you say you're the owner of your own body?"

"I am. But anything that involves an extra expense in our household has to be discussed beforehand. That's our financial rule."

"But you won't spend that much."

"Even so... I need to tell him first. Shall we go to the checkout? Have you finished getting your things, Lucy?"

I filled the cart with healthy things. There wasn't a single sweet in it. For a moment, I remembered the embarrassment that happened with the carrot cake covered in chocolate ganache.

That was the main reason that made me go on a diet. It wasn't because of George. It was for my business.

"I own a bakery, Lucy."

We continued talking while standing in line at the supermarket.

"No way! I can't believe it."

Lucy got excited when I told her about Candy Cake. I thought she was excited about the sweets, but I soon realized it was the opposite. She continued:

"You live with hell inside your house, and we're not talking about your husband. Having a bakery is a temptation."

"And don't I know it? I started gaining weight after I opened the business. But I'm not going to give up on my dream. I love being a pastry chef."

"Of course, Candy. You're absolutely right. Who said you need to close your bakery just because you're going on a diet? You just have to be strong and not eat the first sweet. Once you eat the first one, it's over."

"I'll do it. And now I have you to help me. Can I call you my friend, Lucy?"

"Of course you can."

"Since we're getting closer, what's your clan?"

Lucy went pale for a moment. She stared at the horizon and didn't turn her head to answer me. I asked again.

"What's your clan, my friend?"

"What do you mean? You know I'm a wolf?"

"Ah, Lucy. Didn't you smell me too?"

"Yes, but I forgot to ask. You're part of your husband's clan, aren't you?"

"Of course. He's an Alpha. Imagine if I weren't part of his clan. What about yours?"

"I'm a lone wolf, Candy. But I'll tell you that story later. I'd rather not talk about it now."

"Of course, that's fine. Knowing that you're a wolf makes me feel more confident about our friendship."

"Yes, yes. And I also know your husband."

"That makes all the difference. Now I can work out with you every day."

"Of course, my new friend. I'll be there every day so we can go to the gym together. In a few months, you'll have great results. I'm sure of it. Believe in yourself."

"Thank you for all this support, Lucy."

"Anytime, my friend."

The supermarket line moved, and it was finally my turn to pay for the groceries. Lucy was next, but my attention was focused on the items I was placing on the checkout counter.

I paid for the groceries and said goodbye to her. I went to my car thinking that I had gained an ally against my obesity. I felt happy and full of energy for the challenges I was beginning to face.

I drove home happily and made a salad with lots of vegetables. I baked a fish with capers. My life was changing.

Before I knew it, it was already 8 p.m., and that lunch had turned into dinner. As soon as I took the fish out of the oven, George arrived.

"Good evening, sweetheart."

"Hi, my love. How are you?"

He looked at my face, puzzled by my reaction.

"What happened? You didn't answer me all day. Where were you?"

"I went to the supermarket to buy a few things. I was so busy that I didn't even check my phone."

"And who were you with?"

"No one, George. I've never needed anyone to go shopping with me."

"Wow, what's that delicious smell? You made baked fish."

"I did. Are you going to eat?"

"Yes, can I?"

"Of course, my love. I noticed you haven't been eating at home for a long time, so I asked if you were really interested in my food."

"What do you mean, Candy? What are you trying to say?"

"I'm not trying to say anything, sweetheart. Come on, let's eat this fish. It looks amazing. I just took it out of the oven. I also made salad."

"Thank you, darling. You remembered me."

"I made the salad for myself. If you want, you can have some."

"Did I hear that right? You don't like salad?"

"And you seem like you don't like me. Go wash your hands while I finish setting the table."

George walked to the washroom. The atmosphere between us quickly grew cold. He left his phone on the table.

Someone sent him a message. I couldn't believe what I was seeing right before my eyes.

"This afternoon was delicious. Let's do it again tomorrow."